Winston-Salem church ending relationship with Boy Scouts

Winston-Salem church ending relationship with Boy Scouts

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A Winston-Salem church has announced it will end its relationship with the Boy Scouts of America due to the organization’s stance on homosexuals within the organization.

According to a message posted on the its website, Calvary Baptist Church’s decision to end its relationship with the Boy Scouts will take effect after Dec. 31.

The church’s senior pastor, Rob Peters, says the church has sponsored troop 942 for nearly 60 years.

“We are grateful for a scouting program positively impacting so many young people in our church and community. We have particularly appreciated the Scouts emphasis on personal responsibility to God and country and a commitment to moral uprightness,” Peters says in the message.

The message continues:

“Recently, the Boy Scouts of America voted to affirm openly homosexual participation in their organization. This decision is controversial and directly challenges the moral standards of churches across the U.S. sponsoring scout troops.

“Given Calvary Baptist Church’s long history and good relationship with the scouting program, the Boy Scouts decision created a dilemma and required a thoughtful and patient response of our church leaders, scout leaders, and scout families. After a season of prayer, conversation, and deliberation the church has decided Calvary Baptist Church will end its relationship with the Boy Scouts…”

Peters says the church will continue to assist those who are in the process of obtaining Eagle Scout to achieve their award within the year. The church is also helping those who wish to continue participating in Scouts to find another pack or troop.